National Dance Institute

- 217 W 147th St, New York, NY 10039

For decades, the National Dance Institute (NDI) has been a beacon of arts education in New York City, transforming the lives of countless children through the power of spirited dance and music. Established in 1976 by legendary New York City Ballet principal dancer Jacques d’Amboise, NDI operates on the profound belief that every child, regardless of their background, ability, or socio-economic position, should have access to the arts to spark learning and motivate them toward excellence in all facets of life. This non-profit organization is more than just a dance school; it is a catalyst for emotional and intellectual growth, nurturing creative, compassionate, and confident young adults.

The philosophy of NDI is rooted in the acclaimed NDI Method, which has been studied and replicated worldwide. This method provides a "joyfully rigorous journey" where students learn a basic dance and music vocabulary, progress through increasingly complex movements, and ultimately showcase their achievements in exciting, fully-produced year-end performances. As local users have attested, NDI is truly a place where children with a genuine love for dance can “grow, flourish, and deepen their passion,” finding inspiration, confidence, and immense joy through movement.

The dedication of NDI extends throughout the entire New York community. Each year, the organization touches the lives of over 40,000 New York City public school children and community members through various programs, most of which are offered free of charge to the participants. The positive impact is felt by thousands of families across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and beyond, making NDI an indispensable part of the city’s arts and education landscape. By actively breaking down financial and physical barriers, NDI creates a diverse and inclusive environment where differences disappear, and all students are peers working toward public success together.

The organizational headquarters and center for learning, known as the National Dance Institute Center for Learning & the Arts, is perfectly situated in Central Harlem. This facility serves as a vibrant, accessible hub for its diverse programming.

Location and Accessibility:

The National Dance Institute Center for Learning & the Arts is located at 217 W 147th St, New York, NY 10039, USA. Its location in Harlem makes it a central resource for Upper Manhattan communities and easily accessible via public transportation, which is essential for New York City families.

• Transportation: The center is typically reached via the subway system, being near key transit lines that serve the Harlem and Washington Heights neighborhoods. Its centralized location in the borough is conducive to children from various parts of the city attending the advanced and out-of-school-time programs.
• Facility Access: A crucial feature of the NDI Center is its commitment to inclusivity, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance. This ensures that the NDI DREAM Project and all other programs are physically accessible, welcoming children with and without disabilities to participate meaningfully in the art-making process.
• Community Hub: Having a permanent, dedicated home in Harlem allows NDI to serve as a stable beacon for children, teachers, and artists in the local community and strengthens its capacity to host intensive workshops and performances.

The programs offered by National Dance Institute are structured, diverse, and designed to engage children creatively and intellectually, often weaving an annual curricular theme through all classes and performances. The comprehensive model includes in-school partnerships, advanced training, and programs for children with disabilities, all taught by professional teaching artists.

Services Offered:

• In-School Program: Full-year or shorter residencies in NYC public schools for children, primarily in grades 4–6, where classes are held weekly during the school day, integrating dance with academic subjects like language arts and math.
• Advanced Team Programs: Scholarship-based, out-of-school-time, intensive training programs for highly motivated students from all corners of NYC, including the SWAT Team (Scholarships for the Willing, Achieving and Talented) and the Celebration Team, NDI’s advanced performance troupe.
• NDI DREAM Project (Dancers Realize Excellence through Arts & Movement): A unique, inclusive program connecting children with and without disabilities through innovative choreography and a peer partnership model, culminating in community performances.
• Dance with NDI Online: Digital resources and classes to further expand the reach and flexibility of NDI's pedagogy.
• NDI Collaborative for Teaching & Learning: Professional development programs, including hands-on, participatory training for teaching artists, dance educators, and arts organizations worldwide, disseminating the acclaimed NDI Method.
• Public Performances: Fully-produced, vibrant year-end assemblies and performances in major NYC venues, providing students with the opportunity to achieve public success.

National Dance Institute's impact on New York City children is profound and widely recognized. Its unique approach to arts education has solidified its position as a leading non-profit organization.

Features / Highlights:

• Founder’s Legacy: Founded by the late, great New York City Ballet principal dancer Jacques d’Amboise, cementing a lineage of world-class dance excellence.
• NDI Method: A highly acclaimed and proven pedagogical method that uses rigorous, spirited dance to build self-esteem, resilience, and discipline.
• Inclusive Access: A powerful commitment to equity, with all programs offered free of charge to participating children, transcending barriers of language, culture, and socio-economic background.
• Integration of Abilities: The pioneering NDI DREAM Project, co-founded by NDI Artistic Director Kay Gayner and a board-certified pediatric physical therapist, ensures meaningful engagement for children with disabilities.
• Holistic Development: The program focuses on creating compassionate, empathic, and confident young adults, with former students attesting that NDI is where they were “held to the highest standards” and where their differences and class lines disappeared.
• Community Engagement: The center regularly hosts community events, such as the anniversary event mentioned in a review, making the space a focal point for immersive music and dance experiences with crowd participation.
• Global Reach: NDI's method is shared globally through the NDI Collaborative and Associate programs, demonstrating its international influence on arts education.

To learn more about the various programs, enrollment opportunities, or how to support the organization's mission, New Yorkers can contact the National Dance Institute directly at their Harlem headquarters.

Contact Information:

Address: National Dance Institute, 217 W 147th St, New York, NY 10039, USA

Phone: (212) 226-0083

Mobile Phone: +1 212-226-0083 (Often used for general inquiries and communication)

What is worth choosing the National Dance Institute? Choosing NDI means investing in a child’s future through a time-tested model of arts education that has successfully impacted millions of lives. For New York City residents, it represents access to truly exceptional dance training and an enriching community environment that is entirely free for the children who participate. The organization goes far beyond basic instruction; it instills a sense of shared purpose and public success, providing a powerful antidote to modern social divisions and anxiety.

The testimonial stating that it's "more than just a dance school" encapsulates the core value proposition. NDI is a place where professional artists and dedicated educators work together to help children find their voice, develop mastery, and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds. Whether a child is participating in an in-school residency, attending the advanced team programs, or shining in the inclusive DREAM Project, they are receiving not just dance lessons, but life lessons—the resilience, self-esteem, and drive to excel that will serve them long after they leave the stage.

National Dance Institute

217 W 147th St, New York, NY 10039, USA